CUW ‘Hesed’ program serves adults with disabilities

Kelly Osowski (center), director of the Hesed program at Concordia University, Wisconsin, works with Hesed students in October 2024. (CUW/Andrea Michel)

By Kali Thiel

It was when Linda Samuel’s son, Joe, was a toddler that she first learned he would need a different kind of educational experience. There were no complications or indications of anything amiss at birth, but as Joe grew, it became apparent that he was missing some key developmental milestones. By the time he began kindergarten, he still wasn’t speaking. Ultimately, specialists diagnosed him with a learning disability and comprehension delays.

As Joe progressed through elementary school and high school with the help of special education services, Samuel often wondered what would be next for her son. Joe watched as his three brothers matriculated at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Mequon, Wis., the school where Samuel also serves as dean of the School of Health Professions.

“He wanted so badly to be like his brothers,” Samuel said. “College was the next milestone for him to achieve. He had the capabilities of learning new things, but there was no way he was going to be able to navigate a traditional collegiate setting, even with modifications.”

Thankfully for Joe, individuals at CUW and AbleLight (then called Bethesda Lutheran Communities) were already eyeing the possibility of a partnership that would bring to the CUW campus a post-secondary transition program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2014, CUW welcomed the first cohort of Bethesda College of Applied Learning students. Three years later, Joe crossed CUW’s commencement stage to earn his Certificate of Applied Learning.

“He still has his certificate on his wall,” Samuel said. “For Joe, it was about that piece of paper. He was so proud that he did something similar to his brothers.”

Introducing Hesed Transition Program

A decade after Bethesda College’s start, CUW is now celebrating the inception of its own autonomous transition program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In Fall 2023, CUW and AbleLight mutually decided to wind down their successful 10-year partnership, allowing CUW to bring the program fully under its operations to better integrate services on campus for the students served.

This fall, CUW launched Hesed Transition Program (hesed is a Hebrew word for “love”) and welcomed its very first cohort of nine students from Illinois and Wisconsin.

Some aspects of CUW’s Hesed Transition Program remain the same as before. For example, students still have the opportunity to live on campus, participate in student life initiatives, cheer on Falcon athletes, and attend some classes alongside traditional undergraduate students. Where the new program diverges is in its enhanced clinical approach to the curriculum and intentional fidelity to CUW’s Lutheran mission.

Occupational therapy expertise at the helm

In preparation for Hesed’s launch, CUW’s Occupational Therapy Chair Dr. Meghan Watry-Christian (OT/L) stepped up to lead the search for a director and redesign the program’s curriculum. She utilized best practices gleaned from research she conducted in service to her doctoral dissertation, which focuses on special education. Watry-Christian also has the benefit of years of experience working as a professional occupational therapist.

In summer 2024, after a thorough candidate search, CUW welcomed its inaugural Hesed director, Kelly Osowski (MSOT, OT/L). As a licensed occupational therapist herself, Osowski holds the clinical expertise needed to implement Watry-Christian’s revamped curriculum and help students reach optimal outcomes.

“An occupational therapist’s whole role is to help patients perform daily activities effectively and safely while also promoting independence and confidence,” Osowski explained. “The beauty of approaching Hesed from my occupational therapy lens is that we can begin to apply structured assessment tools to gather information and better guide interventions, so that we’re certain we are assessing and ultimately helping them achieve change over time.”

While Hesed students do take some courses alongside traditional undergraduates, they also receive designated instruction and individual coaching on things like goal setting, cultivating effective communication and interpersonal skills, developing problem-solving abilities to navigate independent living, and enhancing organizational skills to effectively balance work, leisure and personal responsibilities. In addition to Osowski, Concordia hired three additional staff members who play a hands-on role with Hesed students.

Currently, Hesed is a two-year program with an optional third year. Osowski says she sees value in moving the model to a required three years. The third year would see students live off campus while receiving continued support from Hesed’s professional staff.

Faith integration as a distinguishing marker

CUW is one of few Christian universities nationwide — and the only school in the Concordia University System — to offer a transition program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As such, CUW leaders are intentional about integrating faith growth opportunities into the Hesed experience and ensuring that, above all, students in the program regularly hear God’s Word and are reminded of the Gospel.

Within Hesed students’ first year in the program, each will take a course either in the Christian faith or the Bible alongside traditional undergraduate Concordia students. New this year, Hesed students are setting faith development goals, such as reading their Bible, incorporating prayer into their routines, or attending daily chapel. Down the line, Osowski intends to leverage the support of local congregations for possible internship or vocational training experiences for students.

“Through Hesed, we help students figure out what their passions are and help them find a vocation or calling that they would want to do after the program,” Osowski said. “We help them build their independent living skills, and build healthy, God-pleasing routines such as Bible reading, church attendance and prayer. At Concordia, the Hesed students have a wonderful community surrounding them that helps reinforce these habits.”

The name of the program seeks to reinforce the godly approach that underpins the program’s motivation. Hesed can mean “steadfast love,” “loyalty,” “mercy” or “kindness.” The word is used frequently in the Old Testament. For example, it was hesed that the Lord conveyed to His people in Isaiah 54:10: “‘My steadfast [hesed] shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” The name represents CUW’s commitment to show the same kind of mercy and love to students in the program, extending the Lord’s hesed to them.

“We are dedicated to our mission of uplifting and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they navigate the challenges of transitioning into adulthood,” Osowski said. “The essence of hesed — showing God’s love and kindness through action — perfectly embodies the purpose of our program. Serving these students is not just a role; it’s a calling to help them achieve independence and discover their own vocational paths. Throughout these efforts, we aim to empower each student to thrive and reach their full potential.”

Your support matters

Hesed students are eligible for IRIS funding, a Medicaid-backed, long-term care program offered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. However, IRIS doesn’t cover the entire cost of a Hesed education. If you are interested in supporting a scholarship endowment to offset additional tuition costs, please contact CUW’s Advancement department at 262-243-4333.

Want in?

CUW’s Hesed Transition Program is motivated by a deep-seated belief that every individual can thrive and fulfill their potential. Concordia is accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic year. Visit cuw.edu/hesed for more information, to schedule a visit or to apply.

Kali Thiel ( kali.thiel@cuw.edu ) serves as communications director at Concordia University Wisconsin.

Posted Jan. 10, 2025